My Dakota has almost 120K miles on it and I've always used regular oil every time I change. Would there be a benefit to switch to synthetic oil( I see ads for synthetic oil for trucks over 70k+ miles)?

 

This is just my opinion:

Modern conventional oils are pretty darn good. The advantage to synthetics comes in extending the oil change intervals.

I don't think you'll do any harm to your engine, there were issues with seals leaking years ago. But I don't think you'll notice any significant benefit either.

Just change the oil and filter on a regular basis and you should be fine.

I use conventional 5w-30 and go about 5k between oil and filter changes.

 

A question best answered by your own research believe me Google it

 

I ran valvoline synblend in my dakota from 73k on. Never had a problem with it. It will help a older engine but isnt mandatory

 

Thanks OODakDan and dodgeramguy85

 

if you some reading time check out, Bob Is The Oil Guy site.

 

I've used AMS Oil & filter on my Dodge Ram since ~10K miles. I like it because I change it once a year. I know others who don't change it that often.

 

But Amsoil thickens up after extended use doesn't it?

 

I've used synthetic oil in mine since I've owned it and it now has almost 200k miles. I still change it every 6k miles, even though I know it will go longer. And my engine doesn't burn any oil at all between changes.

 

I switched over @ 224,000 miles (or so) after replacing a leaking rear main seal, replacing the valley pan with a homemade one of 1/4 in aluminum, and replacing the plenum/intake gaskets & valve cover gaskets. Other than the front main, there's nothing left to leak. Like Tom's, mine doesn't burn or leak any oil. Mostly it's duty is going to the store. I try to get it out on the Interstate once or twice a month to get the engine good an warm--helps drive moisture out of the crankcase.

I have another lower mileage 5.2 on my engine stand, new gaskets and seals throughout. And it will get synthetic when it goes in.

There are three reasons to use synthetic oil, extended change interval, resistance to thermal breakdown, and better wear characteristics. I've been using synthetic oil (in a just out of warranty Toyota) since the mid 1970's, and early on did a teardown on the 76 Corolla 4 cylinder engine to check engine wear (after 120,000 miles.) It was negligible, and the inside of the engine was very clean--change intervals ran about 12 to 15,000 miles (this car was running 8 to 10,000 a month.) The car wore out before the engine did, btw. I sold it when it hit about 300,000 miles, and the new owner drove it away.